The entrepreneur and avid sportsman managed to ingratiate himself with a variety of political figures from different regions, ideologies and backgrounds.

During a press conference Tuesday, Dayton and DFL legislative leaders prefaced the looming 2014 mid-term campaigns with a checklist of their accomplishments at the helm of state government.

At Tuesday night’s hearing over a controversial plan for the PolyMet open pit copper mine, a sharply divided crowd traded talking points about the risks and rewards of copper mining. It is a good bet that few were swayed from their original opinions by the three hours of testimony, the 59 speakers, the guy who performed a Pete Seeger-inspired anti-mining song, the prophecies of a pristine wilderness despoiled or the happy visions of an Iron Range restored to prosperity by “mining done right.”

The decision to import steel has been the subject of criticism, not least from former legislator and Iron Range DFL stalwart Tom Rukavina.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said the extra $26 million was meant to "ensure several features that are so important to all users of the stadium."

Former state Rep. Tom Rukavina is reportedly going to work for U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan. The Iron Ranger who served 26 years in the state House will focus on mining, timber and tourism issues, according to the Duluth News Tribune

Here’s a guide to key policy matters that are likely to be addressed and heavily lobbied in the 2013 legislative session.

The path through any budget session leads to a negotiating table at which the governor and legislative leaders work out the most politically palatable taxing and spending deal they can muster. But the budget is never the only game in town. Before the session endgame gets played out, a network of committees will play host to various and sundry dramas involving policy issues before state government.

The new DFL legislative majorities that will take power in January owe a lot to the rejiggering of the geographic balance within their caucuses.

Continuing a streak of endorsing more conservative candidates, the Duluth News Tribune on Thursday endorsed independent write-in candidate and Duluth City Councilor Jay Fosle for the House District 7B race over the endorsed GOP and DFL candidates.